It’s always a happy day when I get one of these beauties on my to do list. And when the happiest of Golden Retrievers is on deck to be painted, and this is his face, it’s definitely a good day. How can you not smile when you see this fluffy goof ball who just wants to play, love and be loved?

Commissioned this past fall by Robert to paint Dante for his husband as a surprise Christmas gift, it was my pleasure to paint this gorgeous boy.

Sadly Dante passed away last year so his portrait was a very special piece. Remembered fondly as a dog who especially loved to lay on his back on the floor, paws up to play, this particular pose had special significance to the family.

A bit of a change from the traditional poses I’ve painted previously, this painting is one of my favourite dog portraits to date. I love Dante’s happy expression, the shear volume of soft blonde hair everywhere and most of all, the way the viewer is drawn into the painting. Don’t you just want to play with Dante too? Give him a belly rub and make that puppy grin even bigger?